US20210352981A1 - Supporting a persons head while providing respiratory protection - Google Patents
Supporting a persons head while providing respiratory protection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210352981A1 US20210352981A1 US16/875,978 US202016875978A US2021352981A1 US 20210352981 A1 US20210352981 A1 US 20210352981A1 US 202016875978 A US202016875978 A US 202016875978A US 2021352981 A1 US2021352981 A1 US 2021352981A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- disposed adjacent
- pillow
- openings disposed
- channel
- end portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
- A41D13/1161—Means for fastening to the user's head
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
- A47C7/38—Support for the head or the back for the head
- A47C7/383—Detachable or loose head- or neck-supports, e.g. horse-shoe shaped
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/10—Pillows
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/10—Pillows
- A47G9/1081—Pillows comprising a neck support, e.g. a neck roll
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2300/00—Details of garments
- A41D2300/30—Closures
- A41D2300/322—Closures using slide fasteners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
- A41D2400/42—Foldable
- A41D2400/422—Foldable into a pocket
Definitions
- the combination of having to wear a face mask in addition to a neck pillow may make resting while traveling by airplane still difficult.
- the elastic straps commonly used to retain face masks to user's face may be uncomfortable.
- Even cords that may tie together on the back of the user's head may be uncomfortable because they are usually disposed between the user's head and the airplane seat's cushion. This may prevent travelers from achieving complete R.E.M. sleep.
- FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an exemplary device 1 in an as-used position for supporting a user's head while providing the user respiratory protection against airborne pathogens and allergens.
- the device 1 includes a pillow 2 that installs around a neck of the user U and supports the head of the user U in the as-used position shown.
- the device 1 also includes a face mask 3 that the user U may use to cover her nose and mouth in the as-used position.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
Abstract
A device includes a neck pillow, a face mask, and a storage pocket for storing an eye mask in one assembly.
Description
- Relaxing while travelling by airplane can be difficult. The onset of COVID-19 has made air travel even more of a stressful proposition. Best practice in reducing contagion is for individuals to wear face masks. Individuals seeking to rest in an airplane may struggle to find comfortable positions in airplanes' small seats and while seated in a near upright position. Wearing a mask may make that even more difficult. This is a problem particularly for business travelers who may require adequate sleep operate at full capacity at their destination. To alleviate sleeping problems while traveling, many travelers use portable, supportive neck pillows for upper-body comfort. Typical neck pillows use cushions that wrap around the sides and back of a user's neck, allowing the user to support their head in an upright fashion while seated upright. This prevents neck cricks and pains due to slouching of the user's head while sleeping in the upright position, and further may prevent the user from leaning onto another structure (e.g., cabin walls or window of a plane).
- However, the combination of having to wear a face mask in addition to a neck pillow may make resting while traveling by airplane still difficult. For example, the elastic straps commonly used to retain face masks to user's face may be uncomfortable. Even cords that may tie together on the back of the user's head may be uncomfortable because they are usually disposed between the user's head and the airplane seat's cushion. This may prevent travelers from achieving complete R.E.M. sleep.
- To help sleep, some individuals carry eye masks while traveling to block light. Eye masks are usually carried separately from the neck support pillow. This added cargo can be cumbersome and may increase the risk of one or both items becoming misplaced and lost.
- An effective solution is necessary to address the issue of a head and neck support, while protecting the user from pathogens such as COVID-19 and providing a user with an environment conducive to achieving restful sleep in the confines of an airplane, train, etc. where a user is seated in a generally upright position for an extended period of time.
- The present disclosure provides the combination of a neck pillow, a face mask, and a storage pocket for storing an eye mask in one assembly, addressing this need in the art.
- These and further features of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the terms of the appended claims.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems, methods, and so on, that illustrate various example embodiments of aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view of an exemplary device for supporting a person's head while providing respiratory protection. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front left perspective view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear right perspective view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates a rear left perspective view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a right side view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a left side view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 1-9 illustrate anexemplary device 1 in an as-used position for supporting a user's head while providing the user respiratory protection against airborne pathogens and allergens. Thedevice 1 includes apillow 2 that installs around a neck of the user U and supports the head of the user U in the as-used position shown. Thedevice 1 also includes aface mask 3 that the user U may use to cover her nose and mouth in the as-used position. - The
face mask 3 may include aface mask body 5 dimensioned to cover the user's nose and mouth when positioned against the user's face in the as-used position shown. Theface mask 3 may also includecord portions face mask body 5 to, in the as-used position, urge part of the interior surface of theface mask body 5 towards the face of the user U. As best seen inFIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 8 , thecords mask body 5 and pull backwards on themask body 5. In one embodiment, thecord portions mask body 5. - The
body 5 of theface mask 3 may be manufactured from fabric. In one embodiment, thebody 5 of theface mask 3 is manufactured from at least two layers of fabric forming a pocket therebetween configured to house a filter. This way theface mask 3 may be used with, for example, an N95 filter or any other filter that may be placed inside the pocket formed by the two layers of fabric. In one embodiment, theface mask 3 includes a malleable nose piece attached to thebody 5 to conform to the user's nose and enhance comfort or masking of the user's nose. - The
pillow 2 includes a C-shaped body 4 that has acenter portion 4 a, afirst end portion 4 b, and asecond end portion 4 c. Thepillow 2 also has openings 6 for thecords center portion 4 a. Another opening 6 b is disposed adjacent thefirst end portion 4 b and another opening 6 c is disposed adjacent thesecond end portion 4 c. Thecord portion 7 a enters thepillow 2 at the opening 6 aa disposed adjacent thecenter portion 4 a and exits thepillow 2 at the opening 6 b disposed adjacent thefirst end portion 4 b. Thecord portion 7 b enters thepillow 2 at the opening 6 ab disposed adjacent thecenter portion 4 a and exits thepillow 2 at theopening 6 c disposed adjacent thesecond end portion 4 c. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
pillow 2 includes astrip 8 a operably connected to thebody 4 to form a channel. The opening 6 aa disposed adjacent thecenter portion 4 a is disposed at a first end of thestrip 8 a and theopening 6 b disposed adjacent thefirst end portion 4 b is disposed at a second end of thestrip 8 a such that thecord portion 7 a enters thepillow 2 at the opening 6 aa and exits thepillow 2 at the opening 6 b. Similarly, the opening 6 ab disposed adjacent thecenter portion 4 a is disposed at a first end of thestrip 8 b and theopening 6 c disposed adjacent thefirst end portion 4 c is disposed at a second end of thestrip 8 b such that thecord portion 7 b enters thepillow 2 at the opening 6 ab and exits thepillow 2 at the opening 6 c. This way, themask 3 may be adjusted and secured using the ends of thecord portions pillow 2. This is much more convenient and comfortable than using elastic straps or cords that tie on the back of the head of the user U to hold themask 3 in place. - In one embodiment, the
device 1 may include a clasp similar to theclasp 9 shown to retain together the ends of thecord portions pillow 2. Such a clasp also may be used to simultaneously latch thepillow 2 and theface mask 3 in the as-used position. - The
device 1 may also include apocket 10 built on thebody 4 of thepillow 2. Thepocket 10 may be azippered pocket 10 disposed at thecenter portion 4 a (or somewhere else) on thepillow 2 to safely keep items such as an eye mask the user U may use to block light and sleep safely stored while traveling in a plane. - With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
- To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed in the detailed description or claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both”. When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995).
- While example systems, methods, and so on, have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit scope to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems, methods, and so on, described herein. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (9)
1. A device for supporting a user's head while providing the user respiratory protection against airborne pathogens and allergens, comprising:
a face mask configured to cover a portion of the user's face when worn in an as-used position, the face mask comprising: a face mask body dimensioned to cover the user's nose and mouth when positioned against the user's face in an as-used position, and one or more cord portions coupled to the face mask body to, in the as-used position, urge an interior surface of the face mask body towards the user's face; and
a pillow configured to install around a neck of the user and to support the head of the user in the as-used position and comprising a C-shaped body having a center portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, the pillow having openings, at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion, at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion, and at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the second end portion, the one or more cord portions entering the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion and exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion and the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the second end portion.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pillow includes a strip operably connected to the body to form a channel, the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion disposed at a first end of the channel and the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion disposed at a second end of the channel such that a portion of the one or more cord portions entering the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion and exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion resides within the channel.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pillow includes a first strip and a second strip operably connected to the body to form a first channel and a second channel, respectively, a first one of the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion disposed at a first end of the first channel and the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion disposed at a second end of the first channel such that a first portion of the one or more cord portions entering the pillow at the first one at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion and exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion resides within the first channel and a second one of the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion disposed at a first end of the second channel and the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the second end portion disposed at a second end of the second channel such that a second portion of the one or more cord portions entering the pillow at the second one at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the center portion and exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the second end portion resides within the second channel.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more cord portions are releasably coupled to the face mask's body.
5. The device of claim 1 , comprising a clasp configured to retain together a first portion of the one or more cord portions exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the first end portion and a second portion of one or more cord portions exiting the pillow at the at least one of the openings disposed adjacent the second end portion to simultaneously latch the face mask and the pillow in the as-used position.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the face mask's body includes a malleable nose piece to accommodate the user's nose.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the face mask's body is manufactured from fabric.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the face mask's body is manufactured from two layers of fabric forming a pocket configured to house a filter.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pillow's body has built thereon a zippered pocket disposed at the center portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/875,978 US11457676B2 (en) | 2020-05-15 | 2020-05-15 | Supporting a persons head while providing respiratory protection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/875,978 US11457676B2 (en) | 2020-05-15 | 2020-05-15 | Supporting a persons head while providing respiratory protection |
Publications (2)
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US20210352981A1 true US20210352981A1 (en) | 2021-11-18 |
US11457676B2 US11457676B2 (en) | 2022-10-04 |
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US16/875,978 Active 2041-04-17 US11457676B2 (en) | 2020-05-15 | 2020-05-15 | Supporting a persons head while providing respiratory protection |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD954388S1 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2022-06-14 | Kanhao & Bright | Mask |
USD955783S1 (en) * | 2018-05-15 | 2022-06-28 | Celeste Marie Estorco | Travel neck pillow with accessories |
US20220211128A1 (en) * | 2021-01-07 | 2022-07-07 | Maria E. Fihn | Travel Comfort Accessory |
US11723470B1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2023-08-15 | Robert C. Farley | Head support apparatus and method |
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US5575009A (en) * | 1995-03-13 | 1996-11-19 | American Allsafe Company | Cold weather face mask and hood |
JP2003334131A (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2003-11-25 | Amusecoco:Kk | Pillow |
WO2011137463A2 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-11-03 | William Hugh Alexander Christie | Travel aid |
US8239987B2 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-08-14 | Eric Sharp | Headrest pillow and eye mask attachment for neck pillow |
US20120210516A1 (en) * | 2011-02-17 | 2012-08-23 | Stevan Popovic | Travel pillow |
CN104486973A (en) * | 2012-06-27 | 2015-04-01 | 索星奈特沃克国际有限责任公司 | Support pillow |
JP2014018624A (en) * | 2012-07-14 | 2014-02-03 | Tomohiro Unno | Neck pillow with face cover |
US9572718B2 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2017-02-21 | Cabeau, Inc. | Eye mask |
US9186276B2 (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2015-11-17 | Thomas Parziale | Travel sleep mask apparatus to support the head of a user |
US9833025B2 (en) * | 2014-06-06 | 2017-12-05 | Travis Lyn KNAPP | Adjustable head and neck support system |
US20160135625A1 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2016-05-19 | Vincenzo Cante | Head rest for supporting a person's head when resting in a chair |
KR101704781B1 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2017-02-08 | 용승현 | Neck pillow for travel |
US10863826B1 (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2020-12-15 | Chase Schneider | Hooded neck pillow with adjustable face covering |
CA3131357A1 (en) * | 2019-02-11 | 2020-08-20 | William Diaz | Convertible travel accessory |
US20210298368A1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2021-09-30 | Pocco Scott David Deaundrea Bussey | Hooded pull-over garment with detachable reusable and interchangeable face mask |
US20210345702A1 (en) * | 2020-05-09 | 2021-11-11 | Osun Labs, LLC | Apparel with Integrated Reusable Health Protective Face Mask and Methods for Wearing Same |
USD951676S1 (en) * | 2021-04-22 | 2022-05-17 | Shenzhen Pictet Fino Technology Co., Ltd | Pillow and eye mask kit |
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2020
- 2020-05-15 US US16/875,978 patent/US11457676B2/en active Active
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD955783S1 (en) * | 2018-05-15 | 2022-06-28 | Celeste Marie Estorco | Travel neck pillow with accessories |
US11723470B1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2023-08-15 | Robert C. Farley | Head support apparatus and method |
USD954388S1 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2022-06-14 | Kanhao & Bright | Mask |
US20220211128A1 (en) * | 2021-01-07 | 2022-07-07 | Maria E. Fihn | Travel Comfort Accessory |
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US11457676B2 (en) | 2022-10-04 |
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